In an effort to display the diverse, accomplished membership of the NAIA-ADA, the Association will feature one athletics director in the monthly Member Spotlight: 20 Questions segment.

This month, the spotlight turns to Debbie Warren, the Director of Athletics for Indiana Tech.
 
Name: Debbie Warren
Position/Institution: Director of Athletics at Indiana Tech
Number of years in collegiate athletics: 39 Years in Collegiate Administration
Alma Mater(s): Mount Union College
Hometown: Have moved 17 times – Home is where my heart is – my son in Myrtle Beach, SC
Institution Athletics Twitter Handle: @INTechWarriors
 
1. Why did you become involved in the NAIA-ADA?
I believe in having a voice at the national level in order to help make a difference.
 
2. What is your favorite part about being a member of the NAIA-ADA?
The opportunity to meet others and the sharing of ideas.
 
3. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
I'd say that over the past 39 years, the consistent opportunity has been educating others in the university community about the positive return on investments made and the positive impact athletics can bring to a university.
 
4. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
My intentional choices have provided many diverse opportunities. A couple would be: 1) making a difference for our sport programs and staff thru the transition of five athletic directors in eight years when I was an Associate AD at Alabama; 2) successfully building strong foundations and trust in order for each school I've been at to build for the future.
 
5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
It's a toss-up between learning to build and manage budgets for progress, the ability to comprehend and be proactive about legal issues or the ability to make student-athlete welfare the priority when making decisions.
 
6. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
The work ethic and integrity instilled by my parents. Hootie Ingram, my first AD at the University of Alabama who shared with me more insight into the job than anyone before or since…. and everyone who has trusted me with their hopes and dreams and shared their lives during this journey…they all left a part of themselves with me and that will forever make a difference in my life.
 
7. What is one item you cannot live without?
My AD survival kit: duct tape, screwdriver, advil, di-gel and a diet coke.
 
8. Who would you choose to switch places with for a day?
I really wouldn't want to switch places with anyone – I love what I do. But I'd love to spend a day with Leonardo DaVinci.
 
9. If you could plan a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Raft trip through the Grand Canyon
 
10. What is your favorite sporting that event you have ever attended?
This is tough… I spent six months traveling to do this very thing: Summer Olympic games in Atlanta; watching the Ohio State and Michigan 'battle of the bands' during 5^th quarter; a Duke basketball game in Cameron; watching the Talladega race from the infield; attending the Kentucky Derby (I love hats); watching the Dodgers play St Louis from Tommy Lasorda's VIP box; Alabama football at the Sugar Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl.
 
11. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate athletics? 
I didn't want a desk job, loved athletics and an opportunity knocked!
 
12. In your mind, who in this industry can serve as a good role model?
Every single one of us, we must commit to it.
 
13. How has your involvement with the NAIA-ADA influenced your career?
Solidified that my intentional choices to get the experience to make a difference is realized.
 
14. What educational or business experiences best prepared you for a career as an Athletics Director?
After teaching K-12 and owning my own business (gymnastics studio) in college, I felt my skill set has shown most bright as an administrator.
 
15. What challenges do you face when working with student-athletes?
The student-athlete's parents!
 
16. Would you please explain a professional success and how you implemented it? 
Working collaboratively with campus leadership and contractors to fund, design, and build a 55-acre sport complex. This took a lot of hard work; countless hours and meetings, patience, education and collaborative teamwork.
 
17. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?  What advice would you give to someone looking to become an NAIA Athletics Director?
"…remember, Debbie, it's just a game" and to remember that being an Athletic Director is not just a job, it really is a lifestyle.
 
18. What was your biggest professional blunder and how did you learn from it?
I have grown to regret not learning how to play golf younger… there never seems to be enough time…but a lot of important conversations, decisions and fundraising are made on the golf course.
 
19. What percentage of your workweek is spent in your office?
70% in office and meetings
 
20. What are you most looking forward to at the next NAIA or NACDA Convention?
Being present to celebrate our SID receiving the National SID of the Year Award and spending time with friends.